Glorfindel
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Glorfindel
Biographical information
Physical description
- "Suddenly into view below came a white horse, gleaming in the shadows, running swiftly. In the dusk its headstall flickered and flashed, as if it were studded with gems like living stars. The rider’s cloak streamed behind him, and his hood was thrown back; his golden hair flowed shimmering in the wind of his speed.... it appeared that white light was shining through the form and raiment of the rider, as if though through a thin veil. "
- —The Fellowship of the Ring
Glorfindel was a noble elf of Gondolin, and later Rivendell, in Middle-earth.
Contents |
[edit] Biography
[edit] First Age
Glorfindel was a noble elf of high birth. His golden hair suggests that he is related in some way to the Vanyar, though when first introduced he lived in Gondolin with the Ñoldor. Glorfindel came to Middle-earth with the host of Turgon. He had no part in the Kinslaying at Alqualondë. He finally settled in Gondolin. He aided the escape of the exiles from Gondolin when it was assailed, and defeated and killed a balrog, though he died in the process. However, he was re-embodied (similarly to Lúthien) in the Halls of Awaiting. In recognition of his skill he was sent by the Valar back to Middle-earth either as a precursor to, or companion of the Istari to aid the fight against Sauron. He allied himself with Elrond, and led the Forces of Rivendell to aid Arnor in its fight against Angmar.
[edit] Third Age and the War of the Ring
During the Battle of Fornost he was the major reason why the evil Witch-King of Angmar was defeated. After the battle was over, and the Witch-King had fled, it was Glorfindel who predicted that the Witch-King would not be defeated by any mortal man. This prediction would come true when the Witch-King was defeated by Éowyn (a woman).
A thousand years later, Glorfindel helped Frodo Baggins and his companions to reach the House of Elrond and evade the pursuit of the Black Riders after Frodo was stabbed with a Morgul blade. At that time he rode the white elf-steed Asfaloth. He had considerable healing skill though not so great as Elrond and he carried with him miruvor in a silver-studded flask of leather. A powerful elf, he sat in a position of honour alongside Elrond and Gandalf at the feast to celebrate the subsequent victory at the Ford of Bruinen. It was here that Frodo saw him as he appeared in the undying lands. Despite this power, at the secret council called shortly afterwards Gandalf stated that not even Glorfindel would be able to aid the nine walkers by securing safe passage to Mount Doom. However, this does not suggest a lack of strength from Glorfindel (indeed, it is a testimony to his strength that he was considered). Instead, Gandalf is commenting on the might of Sauron.
He was also known as Glorfindel the 'Golden-haired', due to the unusual colour of his hair. He could also have been a member of the White Council. He was said to have been resurrected by the Valar and be given the same degree of power as a Maiar.
[edit] Portrayal in films and radio
Glorfindel was left out of Ralph Bakshi's version of the Lord of the Rings, with Legolas in place of him when Aragorn was supposed to meet him before the attack at the Ford of Rivendell.
He was included in the BBC's Lord of the Rings radio serial in 1981 and was voiced by John Webb.
In The Return of the King (film), Glorfindel briefly appears at the crowning of King Elessar, behind Legolas and in front of Arwen.
[edit] Role in "The Battle for Middle Earth 2" computer game
In this non-canon computer game Glorfindel is the first hero the player commands in the good campaign. He is depicted with silver armour and a sword. His powers include the ability to mount his horse "Asfeloth" and the ability to heal and strengthen allied warriors. It should also be noted that Glorfindel has silver hair even though he is actually supposed to have golden hair. (This controversy is furthered by his name, meaning "golden-haired".
Glorfindel, with the dwarf leader Gloin, is sent to muster the Dwarves to fight against Sauron. While Glorfindel and Gloin make their travels, however, they also make astounding and important victories against the Goblins, driving them out and clearing the roads to impede Sauron's control over the North.
[edit] Mission 1, Rivendell
The mission begins when Glorfindel, along with a few Lorien Warriors, make their way to Rivendell to warn Arwen Undómiel of the approaching Goblins. Along the way, they encounter and slay many Goblins, which is disturbing because Goblins have never been sighted this close to Rivendell before. Once making his way to Elrond, Glorfindel warns him of the approaching Gobilns. In response, more warriors are trained in Barracks to repel the assault. After waves of Goblins, a Cave Troll, and a Mountain Giant attack and fail to break the Elven defenses, Arwen arrives with Rivendell Lances and Lorien Archers. Eagles also join the fight. With these new forces, the Elven leaders direct the Elves to destroy the Goblin camp. Under Glorfindel's mighty sword, no Goblins survive and the camp is destroyed. A Wyrm then appears, but Glorfindel repeatedly strikes at it, and the combined efforts of the Elves bring the Wyrm down, leaving victory with the Elves.
[edit] Mission 2, High Pass
To prevent further invasions on Rivendell, Glorfindel and Gloin set out for the High Pass to rally the Dwarves and eliminate the Goblins. After a sturdy base is created, Glorfindel sets out on the High Pass with new Elven Warriors and Gloin. While journeying, they destroy any Goblin sentries and lairs that they find. Towards the end of the High Pass, they find Haldir under ambush from Goblins, and Glorfindel defeats the Goblins to rescue his friend. Together, they make their way to the Goblin base on the other side of the pass. Although a Watcher in the Water appears and attacks, Glorfindel defeats it with the help of his forces. The rest of the Goblins are then routed out, and complete victory goes to the Elves.
[edit] Mission 3, Ettenmoors
The Goblins have a new leader, Gorkil and Glorfindel and Gloin decide to lead their forces to attack the Goblin King and slay him, rendering the Goblins demoralized and confused. Upon arriving, Glorfindel learns that an Elven settlement is under attack from Goblins. Outraged, he leads his remaining forces from the High Pass to save the settlement and drive the Goblins away once and for all while Haldir gets reinforcements. Glorfindel and his forces (including Gloin) drive the Goblins away from the settlement, and prepare a base to assist their assault. Once the necessary preparations have been made, the Elven forces (with Haldir's reinforcements) set out to free a dormant Ent Moot and destroy the Goblin King's stronghold, laying waste to an Ettenmoors drum, Goblin settlements, and sentry towers. They soon free the Ent Moot, and call forth the mighty Ent Treebeard to aid them. The assault upon the Goblin King's lair now begins in full swing. Despite heavy resistance from Goblins and their Giant and Troll allies, the fortress is taken and the Goblin King slain.
Soon after, Glorfindel and Gloin free a lone Dwarf prisoner who tells them that the Blue Mountains are under attack from Drogoth the Dragon Lord, and quickly rush to the Blue Mountains to aid their allies.
[edit] Mission 4, Blue Mountains
Glorfindel and Gloin arrive with a few Elves, but are attacked by Drogoth. They and their Dwarven warriors flee to the inside of cave. They quickly eliminate spiders that are inside the cave, and then build a mighty base in it. After resting and preparing their armies, they march upon the Blue Mountains to slay Drogoth. Many Goblin spider riders, spiders, and Fire Drakes attempt to defeat them, but the army eventually makes it to the throne room, where Drogoth awaits. Upon encountering him, the Mirkwood Archers and Dwarven Axethrowers immediately fire upon him, eventually slaying him.
With Drogoth defeated, the Blue Mountains are free and Sauron's hold is further lessened. However, Glorfindel and Gloin are astonished to learn that the Dwarves refuse to help them. They then make their way to the Grey Havens, hoping for a better reception from the Elves.
[edit] Mission 5, the Grey Havens
[edit] Notes
In Ralph Bakshi's 1978 animated film, Glorfindel was replaced by Legolas.
In The Fellowship of the Ring (film) Glorfindel is replaced by Arwen.
At one stage Tolkien considered whether Glorfindel was one of the Blue Wizards, but he later decided against this.
[edit] Rumors
There has been some confusion about the Glorfindel of Gondolin and the Glorfindel of Rivendell. They were not meant to be the same person, but as Tolkien felt that elf names were unique, he decided to find a way to correct his perceived mistake. He did this by making them the same but reincarnated person. Tolkien stated that Glorfindel's spirit returned to the Halls of Awaiting, but was after a time re-embodied by the Valar. He then returned to Middle-earth (either in the mid-Second Age, or as a companion of the Blue Wizards in the Third).
- He was returned to Middle-earth at the same time that the Istari arrived, quite possibly with them.
He is also said to be an Elven Prince, and so it has given birth to the rumor (though it is likely true) that Glorfindel is the son of Finarfin or one of his descendants.
[edit] Trivia
| Lists of miscellaneous information should be avoided. Please relocate any relevant information into appropriate sections or articles. |
In July 2007, 3-D entertainment model producer Gentle Giant Studios, Inc., headquartered in Burbank, California, released an exclusive sculpted Glorfindel bust, limited to 500 pieces, for the 2007 San Diego Comic-Con. Licensed under New Line Cinema's The Lord of the Rings franchise. GLORFINDEL BUST - Gentle Giant Studios
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